Components Test Laboratory IV, later renamed Space Technology Laboratory IV, specializes in small pressure and pump fed engine testing with storable propellants at simulated conditions up to 100,000 ft. The facility was constructed in 1956 to support development testing of auxiliary engine used to assist jet aircraft in going supersonic. The Burro Flats area in which this facility is located was a popular site for filming western picture in the early years. The programs supported include Lunar Excursion Module, Coaxial Lance, Mariner Mars/Viking, Gemini, Peacekeeper, XLR-132, and TRANS Stage Engine. Also Condor, MOL, Agena Auxiliary, AR Engines for F-86 and F-100 aircraft, and NOMAND. At peak, this facility performed 100s of tests annually.
1964 CTL IV in AREA III
AREA IV and AREA III looking East in 1950
The 2005 Topanga Fire at CTL/STL IV.
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